Medeski Martin and Wood at UCLA’s Royce Hall

Now in its second decade, the trio Medeski Martin and Wood is often lumped into a “jam band” ghetto, but within the organ group’s thick bond to the almighty groove there are nods toward the interstellar explorations of Sun Ra, Cecil Taylor and other wonders of intense, genre-blind improvisation. John Medeski’s lush, contemplative solo piano album, “A Different Time,” only underscores the group’s ability to surprise. Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA, Royce Hall. 340 Royce Drive, L.A. Fri., 8 p.m. $15-$50 cap.ucla.edu.